AFH Building Requirements & Inspections

Convert an Existing Home

The most common path. A single-family home you already own or purchase is evaluated against the AFH Local Building Inspection Checklist (DSHS 15-604). Modifications are made as needed — often ramps, bathroom changes, window changes, and alarm upgrades — and construction work usually needs its own permit from the local building department.

Advantages

· Lower total entry cost

· Faster to licensure than new build

· Established neighborhood context

Considerations

· May require costly structural changes

· Layout may limit resident capacity or bedroom classification

· Must still pass all code requirements

Build a New Home

A new single-family home designed specifically as an AFH can be built to code from the ground up. This gives maximum control over layout, accessibility, and bedroom classification, but comes with the full cost and timeline of new residential construction.

Advantages

· Optimal layout for AFH operations

· No surprise renovation costs

· Can be laid out for 7-8 residents, though a provider must hold an initial license for 24 months before applying for more than 6 (WAC 388-76-10031)

Considerations

· Most expensive option

· Construction costs vary widely; get local bids

· Long lead time before first revenue

Purchase a Licensed AFH (CHOW)

Buy an existing licensed AFH through a Change of Ownership (CHOW). The building was approved when the home was licensed, and DSHS says a continuously licensed home that changes owners is held to the rules in place when it was first licensed. The buyer still files a full DSHS license application and must meet all licensing requirements. The prior license does not transfer.

Advantages

· Building was approved for AFH use when first licensed

· May have existing residents and revenue

· Established community relationships

Considerations

· Must still apply for new DSHS license

· Specialty contracts such as ECS and SBS do not transfer at a CHOW

· A home whose license has lapsed must meet current rules

· The DSHS Locator shows only the previous three years of limits and enforcement

Review the WABO Checklist

Download the AFH Local Building Inspection Checklist (DSHS form 15-604) from DSHS. Walk through your property against every item before contacting your local jurisdiction.

Contact your local building department

Building inspection requirements vary by city and county. Contact your local building official early. The DSHS building inspections page links to WABO's directory of local building officials.

Obtain a remodel permit (if needed)

If construction is proposed (ramps, bathroom work, window changes, electrical), apply for the permit the work needs first. Ask the building department whether that work must pass its final inspection before the AFH inspection is scheduled.

Submit for the AFH building inspection

Once all modifications are complete (or if no construction is needed), request the AFH building inspection through your local jurisdiction. Submit the checklist and a floor plan of every floor.

Pass the building inspection

The local building department completes the inspection section of the checklist. DSHS requires the building official's inspection and approval before licensing, and again after any construction that affects residents' ability to exit or changes a resident bedroom (WAC 388-76-10700).